Marvel Knights Animation delivers all-out action as Reginald Hudlin and John Romita Jr.’s Black Panther is brought to life in his own series for the first time since his creation in 1966. With guest appearances by the X-Men and Captain America, The Black Panther’s six epi­sodes are filled with exhilarating action, dazzling visuals and an explosive soundtrack as he leaps from the comic book pages into homes everywhere. On Jan. 18, Shout! Factory, in association with Marvel Knights Animation, will debut the long-awaited “Black Panther” on DVD. Inspired by the popular graphic novel from acclaimed filmmaker/ writer/producer Reg­inald Hudlin and legendary comic book artist John Romita Jr.

Reminiscent of boy groups Kris Kross, the Jackson 5 and B2K, the four spirited teenagers of the musical phenomenon Mindless Behavior are on a mission to become forever etched into the hearts, minds and CD collections of young girls throughout the world.

And the group plans on doing that by one screaming and crying fan at a time.

MINDLESS BEHAVIOR

Mindless Behavior is a group of four 13-year-old boys—Prodigy, Ray Ray, Roc Royal and Princeton—that easily blend together epic dance moves, far-reaching pop songs and futuristic fashion and style.

“We’ve always looked up to Michael Jackson because he had compassion and a great work ethic and his dance moves were exceptional,” said singer Ray Ray, who grew up under the tutelage of famed Los Angeles battle dancer Tommy The Clown. “You need a great work ethic to make it in this business.”

Alvin “Young Brocc” Briskey became interested in the hip-hop culture and knew he wanted to become a hip-hop artist in 2005. In his early years, he was in jail but decided to turn his life around and get on the right track. He was not into playing cards or video games, but he was very interested in poetry, reading and writing. He turned his poetry and life experiences into songs. He is an artist that has his own unique sound.

YOUNG BROCC (Photo by Ashley G. Woodson)

“Everybody now-a-days is trying to sound like someone else verses back in the day everyone had their own independent style. Everyone was spitting punch lines but now everyone doesn’t do it that way. Everyone is rapping about things they are not living and if they are living what they are talking about, it is only to a certain extent. Some people rap about what they would like to have and there is nothing wrong with that because you are setting a goal for yourself. Some rappers are in the game just to hear themselves talk, but they’re not talking about anything. You should rap about things that are really going on and that others can relate to, not just one individual. I am a versatile artist, but my music is also mainstream hip-hop music. I can rap about anything and it will still sound great,” said Young Brocc.

This week I visited the Montage in Wilkinsburg, Platinum Night Club in the Strip District, The Shadow Lounge in East Liberty, Ace and Deuces Lounge in the Hill District, and the McKinney residence in Verona, PA.

My first stop was at the Montage in Wilkinsburg where Dena Wade-Beard celebrated her 50th with family and friends in a classy atmosphere with all of the trimmings.

Marvin Prentice of the Hill House and Police Chief Nate Harper stopped to celebrate Dena’s birthday with her at the Montage in Wilkinsburg.